How to make the perfect online buy... That fits!
Bought something online that doesn't fit? We've all been here. Here, the tips and tricks to help you find the right size.
August 27, 2012
Bought something online that doesn't fit? We've all been here. Here, the tips and tricks to help you find the right size.
STEP ONE: GET YOUR STATS
• Take measurements in your underwear in front of a mirror – to help make sure the measuring tape stays in the correct position at the back of your body.
• For accurate results, the tape should rest on your body so you can just feel it without
it constricting or falling off. Use a plastic or paper tape, never metal – pick up a free paper one next time you’re at Ikea.
BUST
Wearing an unpadded bra, position one end of the tape measure at the fullest part of your bust (usually the nipple line), then wrap it under your armpits, around your shoulder blades and back to the front.
WAIST
Bend to the side – the crease that forms
is your natural waistline. Circle your body with the tape at this point.
HIPS
Place the tape at one hip and wrap it around your rear, then the other hip, and back to where you started. Check that the tape is over the largest part of your bottom.
INSEAM
This is an essential measurement for finding jeans that fit, but it’s a little tricky to do on the body. Pull out your favourite jeans and measure the length from the crotch seam down the leg to the ankle hem. Don’t forget: the leg length you want will be different depending on your shoes, so if you’re planning to wear a stiletto or wedge, factor in the heel height.
HEAD
Put on your best-fitting hat and mark where it rests on your forehead. Place the tape at that point and wrap around the back of your head, so it falls midway on your occipital bone (the bump at the back of your head) and above the tops of your ears on both sides.
STEP TWO: KNOW YOUR SIZE
Asos.com/au has a size chart to convert your centimetre results to local, US, UK and European sizes. To locate it, click the Size Guide button on any product page.
BUT WHAT SIZE DOES THAT MAKE ME IN RUSSIA?
Head to 85b.org to convert standard Australian clothing and bra sizes into less common international sizing schemes (like the ones used in Russia and Japan).
WISH SOMEONE WOULD TELL YOU WHAT SIZE YOU ARE ACROSS US AND UK CHAIN STORES?
Introducing What Size Am I? (see sizes.darkgreener.com), a new web tool that tells you your size for tops, skirts and dresses according to your waist, bust and hip measurements. Enter your measurements on the scales and the chart will show your correct sizes for each chain store. Plus, you can see at a glance which brands offer the best fits for your figure and compare the body shapes each store is geared towards. Lifesaver!
BUYING HEELS YOU HAVEN’T TRIED ON CAN BE TRICKY — BUT NOT WITH THESE ONLINE SHOPPING TIPS:
• Learn about your feet. Get shoes fitted at a department or sports store, and pump the experienced staff for info: How long is your foot in centimetres? Is it narrow? Do you have a high arch? Then you can email sites like net-a-porter.com, asking specific questions before
you fork out the cash.
• Trace your foot on paper and measure the length and width. Opt for for shoes that offer 0.5cm leeway on the length and width of the insole dimensions, to ensure a comfortable fit.
• While there is no international consensus on what measurement constitutes a wide or narrow fit, US brands tend towards a wider style, while European labels err on the narrow side. Sites like shopbop.com will sometimes indicate whether a design runs small or large in the product details.
• Seen a pair of heels you love but don’t know if you can manage the height? Measure your most comfy pair of high heels from the base of the heel to the sole (take note of both inches and centimetres for easy international shopping). If it’s a platform, subtract the height of the platform from the full heel measurement.
• Always check the delivery and returns fees. Sites like styletread.com.au offer free delivery and returns, making it a cinch to order multiple sizes in the style you want, then simply return the pairs that don’t fit.
• Open-toed or strappy designs will always be a more forgiving fit. Closed-toe court shoes in patent leather? Notsomuch.
CHECK THE REVIEWS
Reading up on what other customers say about your item can save heartache and money. Here are five sites that do it best.
URBANOUTFITTERS.COM
Not only does it pinpoint the fit of every garment on a sliding scale (from runs-small to runs-large), but you can ask questions like “Does it stretch after washing?”, and buyers can post their real-life pics wearing their purchase.
SAKSFIFTHAVENUE.COM
This presents individual customer reviews and starred ratings for clothing, shoes and bags, and also lists reviewers’ location, gender, age and style – so you get an even better idea of whether their comments apply to you. A fantastic source of info for high-end American designer brands.
TOPSHOP.COM
It grades each product’s sizing from smaller-fit to bigger-fit – and thanks to the active community of informed, articulate shoppers, the reviews can be longer and often contain more nitty-gritty fashion info (like fabric wrinkling)
than you’d see on other sites.
SHOP.NORDSTROM.COM
The luxe US department store is a haven for designer jewellery and accessories, and even the higher-priced items come accompanied by reviews with key words highlighted (like “sturdy” and “comfortable”). The “Would you recommend this to a friend?” box also gives you a feel for an item’s suitability at a glance.
SURFSTITCH.COM
Individual customer comments on the surf gear at this site come with a star rating plus an indication of quality (from decent to excellent). Shoppers can even speak to a customer service rep
via live chat.